I was in charge of this FEMM Committee Own Initiative Report for the Renew Group and worked to ensure that bicycles, as a form of transport, were taken into account because they are a sustainable and cheap means of transportation.
Also, women use public transport differently than men do, but transport policies have too often been made by men for men. Therefore, a gender-responsive approach to urban planning is needed to address the specific ways women use transport.
Women are more likely to be harassed in public transport than men, and we need to work on finding solutions to mitigate their feelings of insecurity. This is a recurring problem, which means that women too often feel unsafe while commuting. Training staff such as train conductors and bus drivers to recognise inappropriate behaviour and take action is, therefore, a priority for me rather than just adding more surveillance. Emergency buttons or hotlines for women to use when they find themselves in unsafe situations.
This would also be more efficient than surveillance and AI to monitor behaviour, as AI can only detect patterns and cannot understand intention. Thus, it may flag innocent behaviour, such as friends hugging each other, as suspicious.
More women will choose to cycle if they are provided with safe cycling paths, secure parking and the possibility of riding buses and trains with their bikes. More bicycles also means less cars, so less congestion and pollution. Moreover, bicycles are cheap and a good alternative to help women in difficult financial situations to be more mobile and more independent. Furthermore, bicycles offer women flexibility and independence without any negative environmental impact.
Providing safer, more sustainable ways of travelling for women will make them more independent and secure. This can have a positive ripple effect on society as a whole and will contribute to the EU’s green transition.